FLORAL SCENT AND POLLINATION IN BROWNEOPSIS-DISEPALA (LEGUMINOSAE, CAESALPINIOIDEAE) IN WESTERN ECUADOR

Aspects of the pollination ecology of Browneopsis disepala, including floral scent composition, were studied. Floral scent was collected wit h head space techniques and analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mas s spectrometry. Inflorescence and flower development were followed, an d amount and concentration of nectar measured. Flower-visiting animals were observed nocturnally and diurnally. Inflorescences of B. disepal a emit a floral scent that is typical of neither moth-nor bat-pollinat ed plants, but contains some compounds related to both pollination typ es. Nectar is produced in quantities and with sugar concentrations fal ling within a range typical of both moth-and bat-pollinated plants. Th e inflorescences are visited by both moths and bats, but the behavior of the bats suggests that they are the more efficient pollinators. Bro wneopsis disepala has a mixed pollination system and is dependent on a nimals for pollination.